Iran Planning to Build 50+ Ka-32s

By Staff Writer | October 30, 2008

Heavylift, Observation/Patrol, Offshore, Search and Rescue, Utility

On Oct. 29, Iran Aviation Industries Organization announced that it plans to build more than 50 Kamov Ka-32 helicopters under a license agreement with Russia. This announcement concerns some government officials in the region and the West, who fear Iran might convert the Ka-32 to its military version, the Ka-27/28 Helix. The stubby, twin-engine helicopter with its counter-rotating rotor system first flew in 1973 as a submarine hunter and search and rescue platform for the former Soviet Union. It could carry a small but lethal payload of bombs, torpedoes and depth charges. The design of the Ka-32 has been well-received in the civil market as a long-line platform and supply transporter. For related news